new bling

I am not a jewelry person.  I wear my wedding ring and that is about it, unless I put on one of my three pairs of earrings.  I do like the idea of jewelry, just not so much on me. 

My ideal adornment would include my wedding ring, a pair of diamond studs and a signature everyday necklace.  I now have two out of the three thanks to Lisa Leonard Designs!

the front of the necklace has my beloved's name along with my kiddos - the back is inscribed with 'hope for a cure T1D'

Now I just need a pair of diamond stud earrings to complete the look! ;)

something like these, perhaps?

Next up is a replacement for Ellie's medical id bracelet.  I wrote about her Shain's bracelet here, and was thrilled with the whimsical look and unique options.  In practice and 8yo busy kid life, however, the bracelet did not hold up.  The ink on the individual plastic elements began to wear off and the part where the bracelet 'plugged' into itself became stretched out.  Two things we just could not have in a medical id bracelet.

When thinking about a replacement, Ellie wanted something "cute, fun and waterproof" while I wanted something durable and noticeable.  I think we found the perfect piece.

A waterproof jelly bracelet from Lauren's Hope

The bracelet is a perfect fit with the 'watchband style' closure and the metal medical id part is attached like a watch face to the bands.  Very durable.

We had the option of engraving the back of the metal i.d. tag:

Ellie Berger

Type 1 Diabetic

Insulin Dependant

I love a win-win situation and this bracelet is perfect. Ellie gets to wear a fashionable piece of jewelry and I get piece of mind.

A big T_H_A_N_K  Y_O_U  to all of the fabulous people of the DOC for all of the fabulous posts in the 2nd annual DBlogWeek!  While I did not participate in writing, I certainly enjoyed reading all of the daily entries.  Last week was a big reminder why I am so grateful to be part of such an awschum community!!!!



ding ding ding

WARNING, WARNING, ::epiphany moment:: happening right now.

So, I didn't want to exercise this morning.  The newness and excitement of getting back to regular movement has started to waver.  After many minutes of trying to talk myself out of it, however, I decided the only way to shut myself up was to get busy sweating.  

I popped in Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred because I wanted a fast (20 minute) workout.  As I figured I would, I hopped on my recumbent after Jillian's beating.  You see, once I get sweating, I realize it's not so bad and 20 minutes flies right by.  I also like the benefit of watching HULU while riding.  Today I was pleasantly surprised to discover the full length documentary, Super Size Me.

I have been meaning to watch this movie, but always pass it up for a comedy or drama.  No excuses today!  Even though the movie is 1:39:56, I only dedicated 35 minutes today.

Yeah, you knew this was coming:  HOLY GUACAMOLE, BATMAN! WHAT THE HELL ARE WE [as a nation] DOING?  (and that is my reaction after the first 10 minutes)

So many things to say, but really, it's all said in the movie.  I need action.

In order to raise my children in the manner Dave and I have committed, we need to change the way we are treating a meal at fast food joints.  As in, it is not a 'treat' if we do not know the facts before deciding to partake.


First things first:  I will sit down with the kiddos and we will watch this film as a family.


Second:  When my children request McDonald's (or Wendy's, BK .... the like) I will first offer to take them to the Dollar Store and purchase a trinket.  Then I will offer to make something to eat at home, or stop by the grocery store and allow them to help me decide what to prepare.  As for traveling; um hello!  Prepare and take along a cooler filled with our food from home.


As a side note, I need some reprogramming as well.  MAJOR reprogramming, because ......... damn those fries look good.

ten guilty pleasure

Today I will let you in on my ten guilty pleasures. In return, I would like for you to share one of yours in the comments.

1. Internet Window (browser) Shopping. I love to find new stores and products online. I also love to visit tried and true online stores. I browse, I salivate, I even go so far as to put items in my Shopping Cart. Then, with a click of an exit button I leave the store, empty handed. Uncommon Goods is a spot I can browse for hours.

2. Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch. Major yummy-ness. So yummy, in fact, I might make on of these just to make my enjoyment last even longer.

3. Watching Project Runway. This is a wee-bit more difficult now as we have canceled our digital tv service, but I searched online and am able to stream past episodes from here. I like to pretend I will be talented enough someday to be on the show.

4. People Watching. I haven't done this is a while and I must put it on my to-do list. Walk around the shopping mall and just observe the wackiness.

5. Chewing Gum. And, popping bubbles. It is so not lady-like, and I can't stand it when other people smack their gum, but I LOVE to do it. I am loving Orbit's new Pina Colada flavor.

6. Reading Books. Yes, I consider this a guilty pleasure because I am not reading for business ...... just pleasure. I am loving the Goodreads site so I can keep track of what I have read, & more importantly, place books on my to-read list. If you sign-up for the free service, don't forget to add me as a friend so we can share titles!

7. Not Sharing. Once you become a mother you have to share your body, food, drinks, space, privacy, clothes, spit, friends, DNA, ............ EVERYTHING!

8. Good Coffee. Unfortunately, this usually equates to a Starbucks run. Hey, I live in Iowa ....... my selection is limited.

9. Product Packaging. Um, hello? And, look at you, cutie. This one is a work of art. Oh, and one more. It's like getting a 2 for 1. The product AND the beautiful package.

10. Magazines. Ya know, little books. At least I am getting my fix at the library verses buying one at the store or paying for a subscription. My favorite? This one.

a few of my favorite things

So many of my inspirations and ideas come from simply sitting and viewing images on the internet. Many of the blogs I subscribe to participate in a 'Favorite Friday', or something of the sort, and list photos and or links of their treasured finds. Today I wanted to share some of my own inspirational finds. Or, things I want for Christmas!!!!!

from left to right:

Scrabble Tile Pendant
Artisan Breads
Owl Mobile
WaterWorks Kids
Plates
Wood Nesting Bowls
Japanese Fabric
Nanty's Naturals
Fantasia Dishtowel
Mims Nap Sack
PlanetBox
Pop Tab Purse